The Friday Review // January 29th, 2021
The Friday Review // January 29th, 2021
Wetlands in danger, duck hunting double murder, contested restoration project gains friends, ice fishing reports and safety, a confiscated deer & more
If you haven’t heard about the duck hunting double homicide on Reelfoot Lake, maybe you’re better for it. Of course it’s true “things can always be worse,” but this one ranks especially high – or low. Much of the story is still unknown, and the suspect is at-large as of publication.
But amidst the murk, one thing is becoming clear. To some in the sporting community this violence wasn’t all that surprising. Our Weekend Read is Will Brantley’s recent piece in Field & Stream on the often rough culture of waterfowl hunting public land.
The new year continues to deliver drama with legislative action and a lawsuit, both of consequence. In more reassuring news, ice-fishing season is upon much of the region, and our rivers and streams are welcoming the intrepid fishermen and paddlers who favor the solace and clean beauty of these cold months.
Get ahold of me here with comments or suggestions. Thanks for reading, and if you enjoy it, please share.
- Ben Shadley // Editor & Publisher
Controversial Wetlands Bill Moves To Full Senate, Vote Could Come As Soon As Monday (2/1)
Indiana Senate Bill 389 would diminish protections for Indiana’s wetlands. Recently, it passed the Senate’s Environmental Affairs Committee and is now headed for consideration by the full Indiana Senate. The Senate could vote as early as this Monday.
Changes made by the Trump administration reduced the ability of the Clean Water Act to protect wetlands at a federal level, but Indiana’s own rules remained in place. This bill seeks to strip those protections.
This effort is opposed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A group of farmers and developers are on the other side of the issue, arguing Indiana regulations put them at a competitive disadvantage. The Indiana Builders Association is in favor of the bill.
As is appropriate, this is getting a lot of press. Comprehensive coverage from the Indy Star is here, and from the Indiana Environmental Reporter here, with many other news outlets covering it as well. Environmental and conservation groups have swung into action urging their members to voice their opposition.
Find your IN Senator here to voice your opinion.
Advocacy Groups Line Up On Both Sides of Houston South Lawsuit
As reported in the 1/22 edition of The Friday Review, Monroe County, IN, and two environmental groups are suing the U.S. Forest Service for approving a vegetation management and restoration project they argue could contaminate the source of drinking water for the area’s 140,000 people, in addition to other concerns.
It’s not all that unusual for natural resources managers and stakeholders to disagree on management policy. This situation is higher profile, however, due to the scale of the project and the suggestions of, among other things, contaminated water.
When considering this case, one aspect worth reviewing is the respective philosophies these groups hold on forest management and conservation practices.
The plaintiffs are Monroe County's board of commissioners, the county's environmental commission, the Indiana Forest Alliance, the Hoosier Environmental Council and Dr. David Paul Simcox. Here’s their complaint, and a letter from the plaintiffs’ law firm addressing concerns over violations of the Endangered Species Act in connection with the project.
On the other side, the Forest Service is being sued, along with the relevant forest supervisor and district manager. The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society led a coalition of conservation groups in filing an amicus brief in favor of the project. These groups are: American Forest Resource Council, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Federal Forest Resource Coalition, Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Indiana Sportsmen’s Roundtable, National Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Porter County (IN) Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society
Due to timing within the court system and possible legal maneuvers, it’s hard to predict the date for a resolution. As of now, the forest service has not received an injunction.
IN Otter Season Reaches Quota, Closes
River otter trapping season was scheduled to run until March 15, or until the quota of 600 animals was reached. Recently, the quota was indeed met. Otters trapped accidentally after the close of the season must be turned over to the DNR, although there is no penalty for unintentional harvest. A reference sheet for IN hunting and trapping seasons is here.
Ice Fishing Reports And A Deep Fishing Reminder
Outdoor columnist, and Sporting Report contributor, Rick Bramwell suggests two Facebook groups (Ice fishing Northern Indiana and indiana ice fishing) to join for getting, and sharing, up-to-date fishing reports. When you catch those fish, a reminder from North Dakota Game and Fish says fish caught at a depth of 30 feet or more should be kept, as they have a greater chance of dying if released. That would be deep for most Indiana ice fishing, but not unheard of.
Indiana Wildlife Federation Virtual Conference Is Tomorrow (1/30)
Register now to see presentations from their solid lineup of speakers including Amanda Wuestefeld, Dir. of IN DNR Div. of Fish & Wildlife; Rick Cockrum, IWF board member; Collin O’Mara, president & CEO of the National Wildlife Federation; and Emily Wood, executive director of the IWF.
They also have a diverse selection of silent auction items from fly-fishing lessons to a guided tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Take The Annual Deer Management Survey Next Week
All Indiana deer hunters and Indiana residents with an account linked to the Division of Fish & Wildlife will receive a link to participate in the Annual Deer Management Survey.
Our take is “Political Election Voting Rules,” apply here, which means if you don’t vote you can’t complain later, so take the survey. Fish & Wildlife does review and take these surveys seriously, so your time is well spent. To receive the survey, you must have a valid email associated with your online account.
Martino Urges Safety On The Ice
Outdoor writer, frequent Sporting Report contributor and all-around-good-guy, John Martino has some good ice fishing advice that has nothing to do with fish. In his recent Woods and Water Column in the Kokomo Perspective, he covers best practices for staying safe on the ice. Read it before you go.
IN DNR Law Enforcement Seizes Bimbo The Deer, Makes National News
A Fishers, IN, family started caring for the fawn last summer after finding it along the side of the road. Things spiraled from there. The fawn developed a bond with the family’s dogs, and at some point acquired the name “Bimbo,” after a Mexican brand of bread. The young deer was the frequent subject of social media posts, and it seemed be right at home with the family.
But earlier this month, following complaints about a wild animal being kept as a pet, the DNR arrived at their home to remove Bimbo. For reference, it’s illegal in Indiana to keep a wild white-tailed deer as a pet.
Kidding aside, this is a tough one. It’s not great PR for the DNR. The story was picked up as far out as San Diego. But they can’t not enforce the law – especially when the family made such a public spectacle. The lesson here is to leave wild animals alone, it never ends well.
The Weekend Read
Will Brantley deserves credit for his sharp, insightful and critical piece following the Reelfoot tragedy, as does Field & Stream for publishing it. The title says it all: The Alleged Double Murder on Reelfoot Lake Points to a Problem Duck Hunters Must Fix. The sporting world does a good job telling stories, but rarely delves into serious analysis – the kind that’s not fun and might tell a truth a little too close to home. Brantley’s article is a well-written example for all of us in the sporting journalism and writing community.
In Case You Missed It: This week in The Sporting Report
Winter is (also) Smallmouth Season / Cold-weather angling means big fish and peaceful streams, but Indiana's poor river and stream access can limit opportunities [Dean Shadley]
Winter Float Trips Offer Solace, But Also Risk / Empty rivers and freezing temps make for adventure, but take these precautions (plus a note for IN readers) [Brandon Butler]